Stunt Rider Seriously Injured Las Vegas, Nevada. Evel Knievel, 29 of Hollywood, fell short in his attempt to break the existing distance motor-cycle jumping record, crashed onthe outramp and sustained multiple injuries and pelvic fractures in Las Vegas, December 31st. The 150 foot jump across the fountains at Caesars Palace, failed due to insufficient in-run speed estimated at 12 mph below the necessary 105 mph. Knievel was rushed to the intensive care unit ofa Las Vegas Hospital after the mishap. 1968